Junior Sports Star: rugby league team wins grand final at third attempt

ST CLAIR Comets under-12 division one team has finally broken through for its maiden grand final win.

St Clair Comets under-12 division one rugby league team won the 2016 Penrith Juniors title.

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ST CLAIR Comets under-12 division one team has finally broken through for its maiden grand final win.

The players claimed the title on their third consecutive attempt over respected arch-rivals St Marys Saints.

As with all close rivalries, the decider went down to the wire before the Comets prevailed 18-10.

The boys’ commitment had hard word has earned them a nomination in the Junior Sports Star team spirit category.

Coach Ben Hutchings said the accolade was well-deserved.

“It was our third consecutive year against the Saints – that team has been the benchmark since the under-6s – and our win was a combination of hardwork and enthusiasm,” Hutchings said. “And yes, self-belief.”

The coach said the self-belief kickstarted after the Comets finished fourth in the competition every ensuing game was an elimination.

“We faced elimination throughout the finals,” Hutchings said. “We defeated Minchinbury, Windsor, scrapted in 14-12 over minor premiers Glenmore Park then faced the Saints in the grand final.

“As we got closer to the final, our self-belief kicked in that we had a chance of getting over the line.”

Hutchings said an admirable quality of the Comets under-12s was their sportsmanship.

The team is now preparing for the Battle of the West tournament onSeptember 18.

The Junior Sports Star is sponsored by Rebel and SportsTG sponsors the Team Spirit award.